Spalding Skate Park has been has been cleared of rubbish again- and a leading South Holland district councillor has now challenged park users to keep it that way.
Cabinet member Coun Gary Taylor is telling them: “It’s actually very simple. Keep it clean, tidy and litter free and you can all enjoy the facility, or continue as you are and other action will be taken, which we don’t want to happen.”
The council’s latest Litter Blitz took place last Thursday. It came just nine days after Young Conservatives organised a litter-pick at the same venue – yet more than 20 bags of rubbish were still collected at the park and surrounding area.
Coun Taylor said: “Litter picks around the skate park have proved to be successful, making the area cleaner and tidier and it brings groups of community volunteers together.
“Unfortunately in this area, which is a gateway into Spalding, some of the users of this park continue to drop their litter and make this area look untidy, because other people pick up the rubbish after them.
“Local young people did an amazing job in getting that skate park up and running and they deserve credit for that, but they also need to take responsibility for keeping it clean and attractive.
“I agree with residents who have spoken to me about this and would like stronger enforcement there.”
Representatives from local organisations joined councillors and over 30 volunteers for last week’s litter pick. Participants were given advice on housing, waste and recycling as well as free refreshments.
Coun Roger Gambba-Jones, the council’s portfolio holder for waste management, said: “It was great to see so many local people turning out and especially good to see mums and children joining in.
“I would like to thank all those who turned out for helping us to care for our town.”
Councillors David Ashby and Elizabeth Sneath also took part.
Coun Ashby said: “The area has had litter issues in the past and events like this help to raise awareness.”
Coun Sneath said: “The skate park is next to the main road into Spalding – it’s the first thing people see driving into the town – so it’s important to keep it clean.”
